There is a certain elegance that crown molding adds to any space. Where before a room was uninspired, crown molding adds warmth and a touch of homeliness.

 Not only does it provide a fluid transition between the wall and the ceiling, but also harmonizes uneven surfaces and frames a fixture such as a chandelier.

The key to getting a great finish is to install the molding just right. Luckily, there are no limits to how far your creativity can go.

Of the things to consider before installation, such as the budget and the style of molding, ceiling height is essential as it determines how wide you can go with the molding. Lower heights are better suited by narrower crown molding that will not be overbearing on the space.

Higher heights on the other hand can accommodate wider molding and allow for plenty more creativity. Built-up crown molding is one creative option that goes beyond ordinary crown molding for an even more grand finish.

What is built-up crown molding?

Simply put, built-up crown molding is a compound crown molding design that incorporates several pieces of trim brought together. It draws even more focus to the ceiling as it is larger than normal molding (obviously) and when done right, is an impeccable piece of decor.

Built-up crown molding is wonderful for large spaces such as a drawing room or the living room and dining area, where it adds to the overall decor rather than take from it.

There are molding options that come already built-up and ready to install but these can be rather pricey. Worry not, however, for with a few hacks and a bit of innovation, it is possible, nay, trouble-free to create your own stacked crown molding.

Installing Built-up Crown Molding

11. Survey the space

Before all else, analyze the space in which you want to install the molding. Think of how you want the finished work to be and whether the molding will achieve this.

Look out for other elements such as doors, windows, light fixtures such as wall brackets, and anything else that may be in the way of the molding. You want to work around these things, not create chaos.

10. Choose your trim

Choose the trim you will bring together for this work of art. Yet again, you are only as limited as your mind will go. An easy pairing is crown molding with baseboard trim. The baseboard will act as backers for the crown molding.

The separate trim pieces do not have to be exactly similar. If anything, the different molding will come together for a hybrid layout. What is important is that they complement each other and that brought together, will appear to form a whole.

DreamWall Decor offers a fine selection of baseboard and crown molding made from high-quality polyurethane that is stylish and built to last.

9. Prepare the molding

If there is any painting to be done, now is the time. It is argued whether it is best to paint the molding before or after installation. Either works for as long as you do a good job.

Painting before installation will perhaps be more convenient, however, as it is easier to work from the waist level than from the overhead level.

8. Test the profile

Use short lengths of the trim pieces to create a mock-up of what the molding profile will look like when you’re done. Align it to the wall and ceiling, and check for any adjustment required, especially on the overall height and width of the built-up molding.

Here, remember the elements you will need to work around and the final view based on the ceiling height.

7. Locate the points to drive the nails through

If you need to, use a stud finder to find the ceiling joists and wall studs. Mark them with a faint pencil line so you will know where to nail the baseboards.

6. Cut the molding and baseboards

Use a compound miter saw to make mitered edges on the baseboards and crown molding for outside corners. While 45-degree cuts are the go-to, measure the wall and ceiling angles to ascertain whether they are a perfect right angle.

Often, corners are not perfectly square and require slight adjustments to achieve seamless mitered joints.

For inside corners, consider using coped cuts to make better joints. If possible, arrange your molding in such a way that you know what piece goes where so you make all the cuts at a go. This will save you a lot of effort moving back and forth between the saw and the work area.

5. Attach the baseboards to the wall and the ceiling.

Starting with the ceiling, secure the baseboard to it using construction adhesive and then drive the nails into the ceiling joists to hold it permanently. Next, install the baseboard against the wall, driving the nails through the studs.

Where a piece of baseboard is not long enough to fit the length of the wall, use scarf joints to attach two pieces together. Use opposing 45-degree miter cuts to make the joint as square ends will not hold very well especially if the molding expands and contracts.

Finish working one molding around the room before getting started on the other one. This will help avoid confusion and undoubtedly make the work easier.

4. Attach glue blocks to the baseboard to support the crown molding

At the intersection of the two baseboards, set glue blocks at each stud location using construction adhesive. Secure them using block nails at the corners.

These blocks will be where you drive the nails through when installing the crown molding.

3. Attach the crown molding

Place the crown molding with its top and bottom edges resting against the ceiling and wall baseboards respectively. Nail through the crown molding into each glue block and along these edges where it meets the baseboards.

2. Add the final touch-ups

Use caulk to seal any gaps between the trim and the wall or ceiling. Add sparkle to fill the nail holes. If you preferred to paint the molding after installation, have a field trip with it. If you had already painted the molding, apply any touch-up paint that may be necessary.

1. Enjoy your handiwork

Nothing brings more pleasure than enjoying the fruits of hard labor. Sit back and enjoy the transformation of your room. Have a party as an excuse to show it off to your friends too!